The Lair

my bad.

 

On the subject of tracks, here was my budget solution
Thule TB60 track system best price:
ORS has the thule TB60 tracks for 22$ apiece, 1$ for the end caps, a total of 48$. I just bought stainless hardware to install and it came to 27$, and I bought more than the 12 screws, a total of 16 to fasten the shell better to the roof of my camper.
So 75$, instead of 127$, which is what thule and most retailers including Amazon charge for the "kit" which comes with a hex wrench and drill bits, stuff everyone has already.. a savings of 50$


Thule tracks for 6ft shell, 22$ each from the "spare parts" depts ORS direct, shorter ones are <20$

http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-853535903-track-single-part.html

 

Thanks for this link. But what about feet and cross bars?

 

For caps, you have to mount those slots first, and then that's where the cross bars/rack goes. Not sure if it really applies to your cap though.

 

Just bought one. It will be here in a week. Neat little gadget. The $30 will be worth the headaches and spills

The first option

 

You won't be disappointed. I'm likely going to get one once I get skids to make it easier to acces.

 

i wonder if i can piece it together from this site..

 

I honestly don't think you need the tracks since you have an aluminum cap with the "cage" on the inside.

 

Here ya go, This was my total order, mind you I purchased the hardware to attach the tracks separately. The 65" bars are almost as wide as the widest part of the truck, the ideal length, can always cut them down if needed. So 330$, self installed.

Name Code Qty Each Options
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thule 60" Track (Single) 853535903 2 22.00(Shipped)
UPS Tracking Number:
1Z04081303
Thule Track End Cap 8535361 4 1.00
(Single)(Shipped)
UPS Tracking Number:
1Z040813036
Thule Podium 3101 Half 4602, 3101, LB65 2 127.96 Select Single Cross Bar Length =
Pack Roof Rack System LB65 - 65 inches bar
4602(Shipped)
UPS Tracking Number:
1Z014976
Subtotal 303.92
Shipping 0.00
Tax 0.00
Total 303.92This completes your order. Thank you for shopping with

 

I was just looking for a drill through @IronPeak. The first choice, says 500lb max. I have an internal cage in my cap, but its aluminum. This is a temporary solution, until I get an internal support cage to add also.

You can see the skeleton on the top of this picture

 

I have high confidence in the vantech rack - I know others that own them, and i almost bought one. The price can't be beat and who ever slides their rack feet around on those thule tracks anyway. My pal who owns one has been on his shell maintenance free for I don't know, maybe 15 years. But with that aluminum skin I would expect problems. I think the weight ratings are for reinforced metal van roofs or fiberglass caps. Maybe need a way to attach to the cage?

 

He was gonna drill through the roof, through the cage, and attach the feet that way IIRC.

 

Ah ok, now I see!

 

I was going to drill through the cross bars on the skeleton, and mount the plate on the underside of that. I will eventually build an internal cage/support for the cap.

Also, @inesshell has the same setup, but with an external roof rack. I am copying his setup. He has had his on since March, with no cracking of the welds. He might have less internal supports too

 

hope you guys had a good weekend, im spent from this trip...wanted more but weekday is approaching. Dont want to wash the mud off and think about all the new pinstriping

 

ok, maybe the next step, will be to get rails. I just didnt want to drop $300+ on a rack, on my $200 cap. I wanted a quick solution, hopefully just bolt on. Im not going to be stepping on one spot. Ill be laying down, up there. Not sure if that is the same thing

 

I was waiting for that picture of your truck on a ledge

 

I just don't see how rails will disperse the weight on davids cap any more than the internal cage is already doing.

 

I absolutely hate when holes get all loose and weird

 

Oh btw wiring the third brake light was a success. Just checked!